Life Over Limb: Field Amputation, Preparing for the Unthinkable

Episode overview

About This Episode

Dr. Avery McKenzie interviews Dr. Eric Adler, regional medical director for Flight for Life, about the challenging and rare procedure of field amputations. They discuss the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, the steps involved in developing a protocol for such emergencies, and the logistical challenges faced during the process. Dr. Adler shares insights from real-life cases and emphasizes the critical need for planning and knowing the resources available in urgent scenarios.

 
00:00 Emergency Field Amputation: A Real-Life Scenario
00:25 The Reality of Unlikely Medical Emergencies
02:04 Introducing Today's Episode and Guest
04:26 Dr. Eric Adler's Experience and Protocol Development
05:46 Indications and Procedures for Field Amputation
10:50 Challenges in Creating a Field Amputation Protocol
14:23 Final Thoughts and Preparedness

 

Resources

• Website show notes link (picture of the kit and copy of the protocol): https://emspodcast.com/life-over-limb-field-amputation-preparing-for-the-unthinkable/

• Other episodes you might like: Episode 31- You Were Taught Wrong, Traumas Not Algorithmic

Gear We Like

• Good Stethoscope - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2

• Good Shears - https://amzn.to/40FROuF or https://amzn.to/3ChZ4Tn 

• Notepad for taking notes on calls - https://amzn.to/3Z1X21J

• Sunglasses - https://frontline-optics.com/discount/EMSCAST15

• Books we recommend - 

• The Dichotomy of Leadership - https://amzn.to/4fiCAjN

• Extreme Ownership - https://amzn.to/3O1FWfa

•  Managing the Unexpected: Sustained Performance in a Complex World -        https://amzn.to/3V7BwYf

• Thinking Fast and Slow - https://amzn.to/4fiJG85

• A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back -  https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2

Guest/Cast/Crew information-

Guest- Erik Adler

Host- Ross Orpet, Avery Mackenzie

Catch up with us after the show

• Instagram- @emscast

• Website- www.emspodcast.com

 

Interested in The Loud & Clear Fellowship? Book a free coaching call with us: emspodcast.com/free-coaching-call

American Burn Association / ABLS: Enter the ABLS giveaway by June 30, 2026; the winner will be selected July 1, 2026. Loud & Clear listeners also get 10% off ABLS Now through August 31, 2026. Details: https://bit.ly/aba-loud-clear